23 Killed in Bangladesh Tornado

At least twenty-three people were killed and around five hundred injured when a tornado struck eastern Bangladesh.

Twenty-five villages reported damage from the storm and winds that came with it.

Rescuers are working their way toward the damaged areas, but fallen trees have blocked railways.

The country is prone to floods, cyclones, and even sometimes tornadoes.

However they normally don't do this much damage.

Prime Minister Mikati Surprises Lebanon With Resignation

Najib Mikati, the Lebanese Prime Minister, announced his resignation on Friday, and it was accepted by President Michel Suleiman, on Saturday.

His decision came a surprise to the country, where he was seen as a peacekeeper.

The country has seen an increase in violence, as the Syrian Civil war spreads across the border.

Fears are that without Mikati at the helm that violence will grow all the faster, and possibly bring another Lebanese Civil War.

It is unclear how quickly parliament will be able to agree upon a new government.

US Senate Passes A Budget

Reid

Well, it’s now been one day since Harry Reid and the US Senate has passed a budget. It has only been four years since they passed their previous budget. I suppose there is no real sense in going overboard on budgets, we can spend as many dollars as we want anyway. Or maybe more precisely print as many dollars as we want.

After pulling an all nighter, ending at nearly 05:00 EDT Saturday morning, and passing with a 50-49 vote, they’ve done it! Over the next ten years, the new budget calls for nearly $1,000,000,000,000 (is that enough 0’s?) in new revenue (taxes), cuts $875 billion with minor cuts in several federal programs (replacing sequester cuts), and permit’s the national debt to grow by over $5 trillion to foreign debt holders. That doesn’t count the debt that the US government will buy.

Some of the decade long proposals include details like $23 billion in internet taxes, an additional $600 billion in top earners taxes, $100 billion in infrastructure investments (spending), and a filibuster proof $975 billion in tax code overhauls (to be debated at a later date).

Don’t worry though, it’s really just the Senates version, and needs to be ratified with the House of Representatives budget proposal. So I would call it just a bunch of ideas being thrown out there for all to see, and not really what they will actually do, if anything.

OH, by the way, I should mention that now they can collect their paychecks, from the “no budget no pay” provision that was passed earlier this year.

Ohio and Pennsylvania Begin Fight Over Punxsutawney Phil

Ohio and Pennsylvania have begun a verbal war over Punxsutawney Phil, the ground hog known for deciding if there's going to be more winter or an early spring. Each year it is judged that there will be an early spring if Phil does not see his shadow. If he does see his shadow, it's six more weeks of winter.

For 2013 Phil "predicted" that there would be an early spring. However, he was clearly wrong, as most of the US has seen more snow since Groundhog Day, than they did before it.

Then on Thursday, Michael Gmoser, the prosecuting attorney for Butler County, Ohio, sent an in indictment for Phil, stating:

On or about February 02,2013, at Gobbler’s Knob, Punxsutawney Phil did purposely, and with prior calculation and design, cause the people to believe that Spring would come early. Contrary to the Groundhog day report, a snowstorm and record low temperatures have been and are predicted to continue in the near future, which constitutes the offense of MISREPRESENTATION OF EARLY SPRING, a Unclassified Felony, and against the peace and dignity of the State Of Ohio.

SPECIFICATION: The people further find and specify that due to the aggravating circumstances and misrepresentation to the people that the death penalty be implemented to the defendant, Punxsutawney Phil

This was in turn responded with by a letter from Nurick Law Group, which was posted on the Washington Post's site:

Michael T. Gmoser, Esquire
Prosecuting Attorney
Butler County, Ohio
P.O. Box 515
Hamilton, OH 45012-0515

RE: Notice to Cease & Desist

Dear Mr. Gmoser:

Please be advised that Nurick Law Group, LLC proudly represents the interests of
Phil Sowerby, a/k/a “Punxsutawney Phil Sowerby” a/k/a “Punxsutawney Phil”
(hereinafter “Punxsutawney Phil”) his predecessors and progeny, for the purposes of this
preposterous prosecution and persecution. Punxsutawney Phil provides (primarily
Pennsylvanians) preeminent prognostication predicated on the position of his shadow.
You recently filed an indictment against Punxsutawney Phil for alleged
“Misrepresentation of Early Spring” wherein you alleged without factual support or other
justification that our client “purposely” and with “prior calculation” did “cause people to
believe that Spring would come early.” (A true and correct copy of the indictment is
attached hereto and is referred to hereinafter as the “Indictment”). Furthermore, without
specificity or reasonable explanation, you cite “aggravated circumstances” warranting
that Punxsutawney Phil be put to death for the crimes that you allege he perpetrated
against humanity.

In the event that a crime was actually committed, which is specifically denied,
you, Mr. Gmoser, as prosecutor for the County of Butler in the State of Ohio, have no
authority for any crimes alleged to have occurred in Pennsylvania. You therefore lack
jurisdiction to prosecute our client and are therefore “out of court” without need for
further legal pontification. However, given the extreme nature of the Indictment and
your flagrant disregard for the jurisdictional limitations of the Courts, we feel it necessary to remind you of the following:

The Eighth Amendment of the Federal Constitution prohibits cruel and unusual
punishment; Article 1, Section 13 of Pennsylvania Constitution reiterates this prohibition. An obvious example of cruel and unusual punishment would be: the punishment for stealing a shirt from a department is getting your hand chopped off. Or, in the case of Punxsutawney Phil, death for being slightly off in his prediction of Spring’s arrival. It has previously been deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of the United States to impose capital punishment for crimes committed while under the age of 18. See Roper v. Simmons, 543 U.S. 551 (2005). See also, Commonwealth v. Chambers (cruel and unusual punishment includes life in jail without possibility of parole or the death penalty for persons under the age of 18 at the time the crime was committed)(citation intentionally omitted). Although Punxsutawney Phil’s exact age is not currently known, it is well-established that the average lifespan of a groundhog is ten(10) years in captivity, six (6) years in the wild, with the longest living documented groundhog having expired after fourteen (14) years in captivity. (See, Light, Jessica E. Marmota monax, woodchuck. Animal Diversity Web). Thus, the death penalty as sought by your heavy hand would necessarily be precluded and even if Punxsutawney Phil were perceivably prosecuted, same would be under the auspices of the juvenile justice system in the jurisdiction in which the crime was perpetrated, not as an adult in the Court of Common Pleas of Butler County Ohio by a rogue prosecutor with a seeming indifference to life itself.

On February 2 of each year, the eyes of the world turn to Punxsutawney Phil as
the preeminent predictor of the official arrival of Spring. Predicting is not just
Punxsutawney Phil’s expertise, it is his exclusive source of income and repute. As a
result of Punxsutawney Phil’s proclivity to predict, throngs of people flock to his abode
at Gobbler’s Knob every year, including a great number of your Butler County
constituency. Thus, the Indictment is something of an anomaly in that, as recently as
February 2, 2013, dozens, if not thousands, of Butler County, Ohio residents crossed state lines to witness Punxsutawney Phil make his annual prediction and to avail themselves of the festivities generated thereby.

Punxsutawney Phil maintains complete innocence and denies any and all
accusations made against him. He will appeal the Indictment and, in the absence of an
immediate retraction and public apology, has further authorized the undersigned to
commence a civil action in the Jefferson County, Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas
for defamation against any and all potentially liable parties. You should be advised that
Punxsutawney Phil is not a “hog without means” as he maintains close ties to many
friends and acquaintances who are financially well-to-do. For example, as a result of his
starring role in the movie Groundhog Day in 1993, Punxsutawney Phil forged lifelong
and loyal friendships with the lesser supporting cast including Bill Murray, Andie
MacDowell and Chris Elliot. It is believed that Punxsutawney Phil has already been in
contact with Mr. Murray, Ms. MacDowell and Mr. Elliot, all of whom allegedly pledged
to “have his back” should legal action be necessary.

Thus, it is in your best interest, Mr. Gmoser to immediately cease and desist from
pursuing the preposterous prosecution that you have proposed, to retract any and all
defamatory allegations that you have made against our client and to immediately and
publicly apologize for said transgressions.

Thank you and we look forward to your compliance with the very reasonable
demand set forth herein.

For the Firm,
Todd B. Nurick, Esquire
Brian M. Andris, Esquire

P.S. Disclosure and Disclaimer: The contents of the foregoing correspondence are obviously intended as satire and should in no way be interpreted as legally, factually or even realistically true or accurate by any party or parties. Prosecutor Gmoser and Mr. Samenow are believed to be of high repute. Prosecutor Gmoser is not, in reality, a “rogue” and Mr. Samenow is not actually in the “chain of publication” referenced above as there can be no such chain as it relates to the “rights” of a groundhog which species is not afforded the same or even similar rights as those guaranteed by the United States Constitution or the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Thus, the foregoing correspondence is tongue-in-cheek. It is also unknown whether Bill Murray, Andy MacDowell and/or Chris Elliot ever actually met Punxsutawney Phil. Even less is known as to whether he/she would contribute financially to a civil action brought by a groundhog.

As the law firm was quick to note, this was done all in good humor. Mr. Gmoser, has also acknowledged that his indictment was in a tone of humor, rather than serious in nature, as some were taking it. It's good to see that fun can still be had amongst people.

FAA Closing 149 Air Traffic Towers

On Friday, the FAA announced that 149 air traffic towers will be closed.

All of the airports selected are considered low traffic facilities.

Opponents of the move worry about the decreased safety levels that it will present.

Many of the airports may close completely, causing their areas to lose the financial benefits of having the local airport.

The FAA will being their closures, in April.

40 Injured in Cairo Clashes

At least forty people were injured in Cairo, on Friday.

Supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood clashed with opponents of President Morsi.

The two sides threw Molotov cocktails and rocks at each other.

When the Muslim Brotherhood bused reinforcements in, members of the opposition lit the buses on fire.

Police were eventually able to separate the two groups, with the use of teargas, which they continued firing to keep the two groups from attacking the ranks of officers.

Violence Between Buddhists and Muslims in Myanamar Leaves Dozens Dead

Violence in Myanmar has caused government officials to declare a state of emergency.

It has been centered in the city of Meikhtila, between Buddhists and Muslims.

Dozens have been killed, over the last few days, as thousands have fled the area.

On Wednesday, an argument between a Muslim shopkeeper and a Buddhist customer spread into a street brawl.

During the brawl a Buddhist monk was killed and then mobs began roaming the streets.

Security forces have all but abandoned the city, fearful to attempt placing themselves between the two sides.

Fears are that it will erupt into a new wave of violence, as was seen last year, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds.

Sangster's Thoughts: Conservatives End Your Hypocritical Stances and Unite, or Fall Divided

I'm so sick and tired of people who try and blame all their problems on others. Conservatives especially come off hypocritical when they do this. Aren't we all supposed to be about personal responsibility? Start acting like it, not just whining that you wished others were. Placing the blame on others just makes you look like a weak minded fool, or at the very least emotionally incompetent.

I'm specifically sick of "conservatives" placing all the blames on Californians. Yes, I consider myself a Coloradan now, but I will also always be a Californian. That is the state of my birth, and I'm proud to be from there. It once was the greatest state in the country. Too many "conservatives" just like to throw the blame at Californians, for all the troubles of this country. As if it's the only place that the problems have come from. Please! No single state can be blamed for all the troubles that this country has. Stop being willingly ignorant.

"Conservatives" with that mindset make it all the harder for actual conservatives to be successful in California, and other states. First, they don't provide any support, whether that be emotionally, verbally, or simply prayerfully. Second, it keeps others from even showing their faces, as why would they want to be attacked by their own side. Third, neutrals see one side always attacking their own, while the other side shows a united front. Which one is more appealing to you? If you hadn't chosen a side yet which would you lean towards? Fourth, the divided nature of the "conservative" movement makes it so much easier for the left to pick off those who are isolated.

What it comes down to is stop being so divided and divisive. If you truly want to win this country back, then unite. Be the United States, not the finger pointing, unfortunately sitting next to each other association of government organized bodies. Keep up the internal bickering and there is no hope. Start swallowing your insults for your ninety-five percent like minded neighbors and focus on defeating those who you are in complete disagreement with. They need to be the focus of your ire. Only together can we preserve the American idea.

Let's not get lost in arguing what the American idea is. It is the belief that everyone deserves to be free and able to live life as they alone see fit, as long as they aren't hurting others, in doing so. That's the American dream. The ability to pursue your own unique view of what happiness is, without imposing on others. The American dream is not about the government handing out happiness. Life isn't easy, it's a struggle. It is the pursuit of happiness. The only thing in life that is freely given is God's grace. And even that would be legislated if the government could figure out a way to.

"Conservatives" often wave the flag saying 'Don't tread on me'. Yet, they then go and spend so much time treading on others. Which is it? If you want to truly have a nation that doesn't tread on you then you need to stop treading on others. Start loving one another as yourself. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" is something that conservatives need to take to heart. It's a way of life they profess, but very few of them actually live. Is that anything but the description of a hypocrite? The time has long past come for walking the talk. Only once "conservatives" start living what they preach can they become united. Once united can they resuscitate the country back to glory.

Chicago Closing 54 Schools

On Thursday, Chicago Public Schools announced that they will be making closures to decrease their budget deficit.

Fifty-four programs and sixty-one school buildings will be shut down, after this school year.

The move will affect thirty thousand children, and result in over a thousand teachers and staff being fired.

CPS faces a deficit of more than one billion dollars, this summer, while their planned closures will save them one hundred and thirty-seven million, over the next ten years.

This is the same district that agreed to increase teacher's raises, in September, in order to end a strike.

House Passes Ryan's Balanced Budget Proposal

With a vote of 227-201, the House of Representatives passed Paul Ryan's budget proposal.

It marks the third year in a row that the Republican controlled House has passed a budget that would guide the government to a balanced path.

While balancing the federal budget, over the next decade, Ryan's plan relies mostly on cuts, specifically in the form of repealing Obamacare.

Now it will head to the Democrat controlled Senate, where it is expected to be ripped apart and blocked from passing.

The Senate's Democrats are working on their own budget proposal, the first one they will make since President Obama took office.

Their proposal works almost completely on raising taxes.